Reward Offered in Arson Attacks Against Church

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for three arson fires at a church in recent weeks.

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, at 1241 S. Corning St. near Pico and La Cienega boulevards, suffered more than $50,000 in structural damage in a July 10 fire, said Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. The church already had suffered minor damages from arson fires July 9 and June 26.

The fires are being investigated by the Los Angeles House of Worship Arson Task Force, a multi-agency effort involving local, state and federal authorities.

"Although a small percentage of arsons affect houses of worship, these are fires that affect us all very deeply," Humprey said.

The federal government also is asking the public to call a 24-hour hotline, (888) ATFFIRE (283-3473) to report suspicious fires involving houses of worship.